Palestinian organ donation saves 3 people

Three people have been granted the opportunity for a new life, after the family of a Palestinian child who died in a mishap donated his liver and lungs.

The transplants recipients are all in stable condition and are currently recovering at hospital.

The tragic incident took place about 10 days ago, when three-and-a-half-year-old Abdul Hai Salhut of east Jerusalem's Jabel Mukaber fell and sustained grave injuries near his home. His family drove him to a local hospital, and from there he was taken to Jerusalem's Hadassah Ein Karem medical center.

The child was taken directly into surgery where doctors struggled to save his life. He was hospitalized for a week but his condition continued to deteriorate; he passed away this past Thursday. However, despite the tragedy, his parents approved an organ donation.

Dr. Ran Steinberg with liver recipient (Photo: Schneider Hospital)

The donation saved three people, including a five-year-old boy who required an urgent liver transplant. The child is currently hospitalized at the intensive care unit at Schneider Children's Medical Center in stable condition.

Meanwhile, a lung was transplanted in a seven-and-a-half year old girl suffering from an inborn lung disease. Another lung was transplanted in a 55-year-old man after it was found unsuitable for any other children.

"My son reached a state where it was impossible to save him," Moussa Salhut, the dead boy's father, told Ynet. "We're happy to see him alive in other people, regardless of whether they are Arab or Jewish. It doesn't make a difference when you save life. In the shadow of our difficult loss, we are touched to have saved lives."